It's hard to believe, but Garden City voters must decide the fate of historic St. Paul's School yet again. This time they'll be asked to endorse the borrowing of $3.75 million to demolish the nationally recognized landmark.

Don't tear it down.

On April 27, the village will hold a referendum on whether to fund the demolition of the architectural landmark that, for 17 years, the village has tried unsuccessfully to preserve. Four years ago, village voters rejected a plan to preserve much of St. Paul's treasured interiors and its facade by converting the structure into an upscale condominium complex.

This landmark is part of a religious complex meant to be the centerpiece of a planned community envisioned by founder A.T. Stewart in the 1890s. Garden City is one of America's best examples of a planned community, with St. Paul's and its Episcopal cathedral listed on the national register of historic places.

Before voting, Garden City citizens should visit St. Paul's. They can see its celebrated chapel by taking a virtual tour on websites maintained by the Garden City Historical Society and the Committee to Save St. Paul's.

Before casting votes, they should see what an architectural gem they could be destroying.

Instead of endorsing destruction, we hope, voters will turn out in large numbers to send a message to persevere in the preservation of one of Long Island's true architectural treasures. hN